Tag: raleigh

When Love Guides the Way: Recognizing Pet Cancer and Knowing When It’s Time

Each November during Pet Cancer Awareness Month,

we pause to honor the pets and families who have walked this difficult road. Cancer is something no pet parent ever wants to face, yet it’s more common than many realize — especially as our companions live longer, fuller lives.

At Azure Holland, we’ve helped many families navigate this journey — from the first signs of illness to the most tender goodbye. Understanding what to look for, and when to focus on comfort, can make an major difference in your pet’s quality of life.

 

Recognizing the Subtle Signs:

Cats and dogs can be masters at hiding discomfort. Often, early symptoms of cancer are gentle whispers rather than loud alarms.
Here are some of the signs we encourage families to watch for:

  • Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite
  • New lumps or bumps, or changes in existing ones
  • Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy or decreased interest in play
  • Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
  • Changes in bathroom habits
  • Unusual odors, bleeding, or discharge

None of these automatically mean cancer — but they are invitations to check in with your veterinarian. Early detection can sometimes open doors to treatment options or simply give you time to prepare and plan for your pet’s comfort.

Focusing on Quality of Life

A diagnosis of cancer is never just medical — it’s emotional, too. It’s natural to want to “fix” things for the ones we love, but sometimes the most compassionate choice is to shift from curing to caring.

Ask yourself gentle questions:

  • Is my pet still finding joy in their favorite things?
  • Are they eating, purring, wagging, or greeting us as they used to?
  • Are their good days still outnumbering the hard ones?

These reflections help you tune into your pet’s needs — and guide decisions with love rather than fear.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

There comes a moment when medical treatment may no longer bring comfort. This is where end-of-life care — hospice and at-home euthanasia — can provide peace and dignity. Saying goodbye in the comfort of home, surrounded by family, allows pets to rest where they feel safest.

At Azure Holland, we believe this transition can be both gentle and sacred. It’s a time to slow down, wrap them in love, and honor every memory made together. Whether it’s a quiet goodbye on the porch, a final car ride, or one last cheeseburger picnic in the backyard — these moments matter.

You Are Not Alone

Facing a pet’s cancer journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our team is here to guide you — with empathy, clarity, and compassion — from diagnosis to goodbye and beyond.

Because every life deserves dignity.
And every goodbye deserves grace.

 

Pet Quality of Life Guide

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and you’re unsure how to move forward,

reach out for an end-of-life consultation.

Together, we’ll explore your options for comfort care and support you in making the decisions that feel right for your family.



Pet Enrichment & Quality of Life

Simple Ways to Make Every Day Better

Featuring Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit — The Camp Kitties ️

As pet parents, we all want our dogs and cats to live long, joyful lives — full of comfort, curiosity, and connection. “Quality of life” isn’t just about good health or the absence of pain. It’s about creating moments that make tails wag and whiskers twitch.

Recently, my two cats — Pecan Pie and Blueberry Biscuit, affectionately known as the Camp Kitties — joined me on a little camping trip. Watching them explore the great outdoors reminded me how simple enrichment can deeply enhance our pets’ well-being.

1. Enrichment is About Joy, Not Just Toys

Enrichment means offering experiences that engage your pet’s natural instincts — exploring, sniffing, climbing, or simply resting in a new space.

For cats: set up a screened porch tent or window hammock where they can watch birds, listen to crickets, or feel the breeze.

For dogs: vary your walking routes, let them choose the direction sometimes, or hide treats for a little “sniffari.”

At Camp Kitties headquarters (our cozy tent!), Pecan Pie inspected every pinecone while Blueberry Biscuit claimed the softest blanket by the fire. Both were fully present — and that’s what enrichment is: being in the moment.

2. Engage Their Senses

Nature is the world’s best sensory experience.
Smells of pine and earth, the crackle of a fire, the soft rustle of leaves — it’s all enrichment.

At home, try:

  • Scented herbs in a pot (cat-safe ones like rosemary or catnip)
  • For dogs, a rotating “sniff mat” with new smells (lavender, mint, or treats hidden inside)
  • Play gentle sounds of rain or birds for calm days indoors

The Camp Kitties spent hours simply sniffing the breeze — proof that the simplest enrichment can bring the biggest joy.

3. Keep Minds Busy and Hearts Happy

Mental stimulation is as important as physical activity.
Interactive toys, food puzzles, and training games prevent boredom and support emotional health.

Quick ideas:

  • Hide kibble in rolled towels or boxes
  • Create a “camp scavenger hunt” indoors
  • Rotate favorite toys weekly for novelty
  • Teach new cues like “touch” or “spin”

At Camp Kitties HQ, even the zipper pull on the tent became a fascination. When pets problem-solve, their confidence grows — and that’s a beautiful thing to watch.

4. Rest is Enrichment, Too

During our camping trip, I noticed something sweet: between bursts of curiosity, the Camp Kitties curled up and rested deeply.

Sometimes, enrichment means simply giving your pet permission to pause.

Create cozy, safe spaces at home — soft blankets, a sunny window ledge, or a quiet corner free from household noise. Rest helps pets recharge and process all that new stimulation.

5. Quality of Life is Connection

At the heart of it all, enrichment is love in action.
Every cuddle, gentle word, shared adventure, or moment of stillness strengthens the bond we share.

Quality of life isn’t measured in days — it’s measured in the joy within those days.
Whether it’s a car ride, a slow walk, or a cat nap under the stars, our pets remind us: the simple things are the most profound.

From the Camp Kitties’ Corner:

Pecan Pie: “Camping is basically enrichment… with snacks.”

Blueberry Biscuit: “I prefer five-star tent service and a mountain view.”

However you spend your time together — at home or under the stars — know that your love and presence are the best enrichment your pet will ever have.

From the campsite of Dr. Holland and the Camp Kitties

Improving End-of-Life Care for Pets: A Collaborative Approach with Dr. Azure Holland

This week, I had the privilege of visiting two incredible veterinary hospitals—Animal Hospital of Brier Creek and Paws at Play Veterinary Hospital. During my time there, I had in-depth discussions with their teams about providing better end-of-life care for pets. As someone who is deeply passionate about this aspect of veterinary care, it was both heartwarming and humbling to share insights and offer guidance to help these hospitals navigate the challenging yet essential process of helping families make tough decisions when it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved pets.

At the heart of what my team and I do at Azure Holland is helping families decide when it’s time for their pet to pass on peacefully. It’s an emotional and challenging decision, but with the right support, tools, and language, families can feel confident that they are making the best choice for their pet’s well-being. We explored how veterinary teams can better communicate this decision-making process with pet parents, helping them understand their options and the benefits of making end-of-life care a compassionate experience.

While at these two hospitals, I had the opportunity to coach the staff on enhancing the end-of-life experience within their facilities. From fostering open, empathetic conversations to improving the physical environment, there are many ways we can ensure that the final moments are as peaceful and dignified as possible for both the pet and their family. These small changes in approach can make a big difference in the overall experience, ensuring that families leave feeling supported and at peace with their decision.

One of the key aspects that sets Azure Holland apart is our commitment to providing the highest level of care within the home environment. We believe that pets and their families deserve a comfortable, familiar, and loving space during such an intimate time. Our team works to ensure that the pet’s final moments are peaceful, pain-free, and surrounded by the love of their family. By offering this in-home care, we help families avoid the stress and uncertainty of a hospital setting during this emotionally intense time.

We are always looking for ways to collaborate with veterinary hospitals to ensure that pets and families receive the best possible end-of-life care. If you’re a veterinary professional looking to improve your hospital’s end-of-life approach, we’d love to get to know your team and provide training on the language, tools, and techniques that can help make this difficult time easier for families to navigate. Together, we can offer compassionate care and support to every family that entrusts us with their pets.

End-of-life decisions are never easy, but they are a natural part of every pet’s journey. At Azure Holland, we are committed to walking alongside families through this process with understanding, compassion, and care. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or would like to partner with us to enhance your hospital’s end-of-life care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make these final moments as peaceful and loving as possible.

Dr. Azure Holland has been reappointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper

Update: August 2024, Dr. Holland has been elected and reelected President of the board July 2022, 2023, 2024 and reappointed by Gov Cooper July 2023.

 

Raleigh, NC – On July 1, 2018 Dr. Azure Holland, owner of Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service was appointed by North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.

The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB), a state regulatory and consumer protection agency, was created in 1903 by an act of the State Legislature. Their mission is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the people and animals of North Carolina.

The Board is responsible for governing the practice of veterinary medicine. Its primary responsibilities are examination of applicants, issuing and renewing licenses/registrations, formal complaints, practice name approvals, and inspections of all veterinary practices throughout the State.

The Board consists of eight (8) members; these members are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore, and the Commissioner of Agriculture.

“It is such an honor to be appointed and I look forward to serving the people and animals of North Carolina.” Dr. Azure Holland

About Dr. Azure Holland
Dr. Azure Holland is from Bailey – a small town in Eastern North Carolina. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Animal Science and attended the University of Tennessee Veterinary School, graduating in 2007. Dr. Holland has been in private practice in the Triangle area since that time.

About Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service
Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service focuses only on in home pet euthanasia and veterinary hospice. We believe this is the most compassionate option for pets because it offers the comfort and familiarity of home for dogs or cats as well as privacy for families. Because comfort, familiarity, and family mean everything. Once you have made the difficult decision to let your pet pass on peacefully, our doctors can provide the kindest and most compassionate way to say goodbye.